Base Face

I don't know about you, but I totally had the theme tune to 'Brace Face' in my head when I wrote this title.

Five in Five #1

I've finally come to the realisation that I have far too much make-up, and due to this I've decided I should really stop buying anymore. Which is great for my bank balance, but not so great when trying to think of new and creative ideas for a blog that's main focus is beauty. There are only so many times I can tell you about my favourite products, however I thought I'd start a series where I show you five products, and challenge myself to describe them in five words.

Ready, set, go!

Nars Multiple in South Beach - Glowy, sunkissed, Millie Mack cheekbones.

Real Techniques Contour Brush - Brush with hundreds of uses.

Dior Skin Nude BB Creme - Best thing since sliced bread.

Benefits Hervana Blush - Smells good enough to eat.

No7 BB Lips - Everyday esstential item must have.

Laura

I Should Really Use You More

Believe it or not, there are some products in my stash that I love, but just don't end up using them. As much as I love these products, for some reason or another they just stay tucked away and don't get the use they deserve.

Mac Powersurge Eyeliner - This is a lovely golden eyeliner that looks lovely on the waterline or as a shadow, but for some reason I just neglect it. I think for me this is just a summer product and I'm also scared to use it.

Dior Amber Diamond - This is my 'special occassion' highlighter reserved for, well, special occasions. I really need to start wearing it more regularly though as it's so pretty and gives a gorgeous golden glow.

Urban Decay Naked Two - I wanted this palette so much, but I just don't really reach for it. Part of me thinks it's much too shimmery for me, but I really need to mess about with it a bit more.

Nars Eyeshadow Duo - I love this eyeshadow duo, and used to wear it a lot, however when I do my make-up now I just tend to grab a crayon of some sort as I find it more convenient.

MAC Cosmo Lipstick - For some reason I just ever find myself reaching for this colour. I think it's my 'sophisticated' lipstick, but rarely find myself in sophisticated-esque style situations.

Bare Minerals Original Foundation - I loved this foundation and used to use it regularly, but for me the Dior Nude BB Cream is just so perfect I rarely use anything else.

&Other Stories Cire Red blusher - This is pretty much MACs Frankly Scarlett. The tiniest tap of a brush is needed or else you look like coco the clown, but it gives the cheek the perfect flush.

What products should you use more?

Laura

A Solid Base

Whilst I love to chop and change things on the regular when it comes to make-up, I've found that when it comes to base, I rarely step away from these products. That alone made me think, I need to make these a blog post.

First up I like to prime with the Bourjous Happy Light primer. This stuff is great as it has a hydrating quality and brightens the skin without making you look like you've shoved your face in glitter. It has luminous particles which blur imperfections and get your face ready for your base of choice. Which, for me is the Dior BB Creme. Holy moly I love this stuff. This product and I just click. It is the right colour, it blends into the skin nicely, it lasts a good amount of time and it just makes my skin look healthy and glowing, which is what I want for my face really.

Next it's up to concealer. I like to start under my eyes as I found I need less cover up concealer after I've done my eyes (if that makes sense?) I like to begin with the Bourjois CC Eye Cream as it really brightens underneath my eyes and begins to cover up my bags. Then, depending what I'm doing, I like to go in with either the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer or the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch concealer as they're both great at covering and highlighting eye bags.

If any blemishes are still on show after this I like to use my Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage as it's a really heavy duty cover all concealer. Then to finish I like to dust my face in the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, which again has a nice fine glitter in it which makes skin look glowy and not Edward Culleny.

So there are my base favourites, what are yours?

Laura

The Blogger Made Me Buy It: Vivianna Does Makeup

If you have a peek through my makeup drawers (oo-er!) most of the products will have been enabled by one blogger or another. A high percentage of these products were probably purchased due to their mention on Vivianna Does Makeup. Anna is one of those bloggers whose opinion I really trust, and as soon as I see a product in one of her videos or in a post, I just know that one day they'll be mine. Just like in my last post, here you'll find just five of the many items that are Anna influenced, the ones that I really like!

Dior BB Cream - This is pretty much the only base that I will put on my face. I love it. It just makes my skin look so healthy and glowy. Even if I have the odd blemish, although the light coverage doesn't make it disappear, it almost makes it look healthy if that's possible? It blurs out imperfections in a way that doesn't make you feel or look caked in make-up, but just looking natural. Even with the £30 price tag, I've re-purchased and see myself continuing to do so, long in the future.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer - I think both this product, and the Dior BB Cream were both spurred on my Lisa Eldridge, but it wasn't until I saw Anna using them that I actually wanted them myself. Anyway, this is the concealer of all concealers. Blemishes run and cower when this bad boy come out. Serious shiz right here, need I say more? I thought not.

Maybelline Color Sensational Shine Gloss - I know for many, glosses just remind us of hair stuck to your lips whilst trying to look cool on the walk to school. I know that was very true to me, but I'm slowly being converted to the liquid side of lips (post to come!) Anna said that these remind her on the Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfectors which she has said, and proven, are her favourite lip products. Now I've not tried them, but I have tried the No7 BB Lips which I really like, so decided to give these a go and I'm impressed. I love how my lips feel nourished, but there is still a subtle colour to your lips that makes them look nice and inviting. A good make-up finisher is what I'd class these as.

Origins Vita-Zing - I remember when I was slowly getting into the world of blogging and higher end skincare and makeup, I watched this video of Anna's and I knew I wanted to try VitaZing. This product is basically a skin evener and tan inducer in one. I wouldn't quite call it a tinted moisturiser, but it moisturises and evens out your complexion in one. There is something special about this product. Along the same lines is the Garnier Skin Miracle (another Anna induced purchase), which although I like, and is a close dupe of this product, I think I prefer this over it.

Rimmel Polish in Oh Mr Darcy  - I didn't need a new nude nail polish, I didn't care about this product being a Chanel Frenzy Dupe, but when I couldn't find this in the Boots near work to, ya know, just look at it, I knew I NEEDED this product. Alas I hunted it down, I put it on my nails, and I fell in love. My nude nail love is the limited addition OPI Don't Pretzel My Buttons and I feel that when that runs out and I can no longer get hold of it, this will be its replacement. A very pretty nude colour, that I didn't need, but glad I got!

Has Anna inspired you to buy any of these products?

Laura xoxo

You can read the rest of the posts in this series here.

The Blogger Made Me Buy It: Tanya Burr

I've seen 'The Blogger Made Me Buy It' tag floating around for quite a while now, and whilst I've wanted to do it for ages I've never really gotten round to it as bloggers have inspired so many of my makeup choices. So instead of just doing one post I've decided to turn it into a series on my blog, with each one being dedicated to a specific blogger.

To kick off I've decided to start with the lovely lady who pretty much inspired me to start my blog, Tanya Burr. If you've read my blog for a while then you'll probably be aware of the story about how I randomly came across Tanya's channel back in November 2011 and found a love for makeup. Since then she's inspired many of my make-up choices and continues to do so; however I've decided to narrow it down to my top five favourite products that I've purchased due to her.

Dior Amber Diamond - ever since I saw this beautiful piece of makeup in one of Tanya's videos I knew it had to be mine. I began my own personal witch hunt for this product and was so excited when I got it. I still didn't have much high end makeup at the time I purchased this product, so it was that extra bit special to me. For that reason I keep it as a special occasion type of makeup, which for me gives me that extra sense of covetedness to it.

MAC Eyeshadows - The majority of my MAC shadows are Tanya Burr induced purchases. After seeing her gorgeous palette pop up in most of her videos I knew I had to get one for myself, and I did. My favourites from the ones I got due to her usage are Satin Taupe, All That Glitters, Patina and Mulch.

Rimmel Santa Rose Blusher - For me this is the most universal blusher, I can see it pretty much suiting everyone. Personally I like to save this little beauty for summer as I think it complements a tan perfectly. It is a gorgeous peachy pink colour that is hard to over do, making it a dream to apply.

Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Cream in Iced Gold - I feel bad putting this in this post as you can't currently get it (boo) but it's such a gorgeous product. It blends perfectly into the skin whilst leaving the most natural and healthy glow. Just between you and I though, Topshop's Glow is pretty similar.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight - This lipstick was used in one of my all time favourite Tanya Burr videos, her Kim Kardashian tutorial. I never really owned any peachy nude lipsticks before this, and it's the perfect colour for any collection. I've spoken before about how much I love this range of lipsticks and Nude Delight really is a beaut to own. It goes with everything.

So that's my first post in my The Blogger Made Me Buy It series, I hope you liked it.

Has Tanya Burr inspired you to buy anything?

Laura xoxo 

Throwback Thursday: Dior Amber Diamond

Can we all take a moment and go 'ahhh!' I love this product. I think it really is my most prized make-up item. It is just so beautiful; and for that reason, I save it for special occasions. 

Look at that bronzed golden goodness. It really is so complementary to the eye.

It really captures the light so well, and works really well with any sort of bronzing product you've used to.
Just the most adored product really.

I'll stop drooling now.

What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Video: First Impressions - Dior BB Creme

So, I got caught up in a hype, there's a shocker, right? 

As the title suggests, here are my first impressions on the Dior BB Creme.

What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Review: Dior Forever Skin Foundation

I mentioned it a post last week that I am trying to invest in some products that are going to last on me throughout the day, enter this.

Now I feel like I need to tell you the story behind this purchase before I go into the full review; I had just finished a four hour lecture (9-1) I was going into town shopping, looked in the mirror and realised whatever foundation I had used (can't remember what it was) had completely faded. So I thought, that's it, I want a good, proper foundation that will last, and this pinged into my head, and here we go. (It's amazing what just getting your student loan can do to your thinking.)

I would definitely say this foundation falls into the light - medium category, it is by no means full coverage. It does cover up my redness and few scars, but any major blemishes still need a good treating of concealer.

I like to apply this using the RT Buffing Brush, and it does give a flawless looking effect. However, it was just coming to the end of summer when I was matched, so now, I could go with going a shade down.

So this is me with full make-up on. I do like how it photographs, and how it looks in the morning, however by lunch it definitely needs a touch up. I don't know about you though, but I hate getting my powder up to touch up, I feel like I look like I try too hard? Just me?

This is how it looks towards the end of the day. Now I didn't do any touch ups, nor did I use my Urban Decay setting spray, and with the use of those, it does last longer, but honestly I expected more. So with that in mind, although it is a nice foundation, I can't justify the pennies.

Overall, it gives a decent coverage, but I maybe wouldn't recommend if you have oily or blemished skin, but it just does not live up to the 'forever' claims.

Have you tried this foundation? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

July Favourites

[insert usual 'my time has flown' comment here.]

Another month gone, more favourites for me to blog about!

NSpa Replenishing Moistuire Mask: This mask has really made my skin so soft. I have quite dry patches on the side of my cheeks and this has really helped with that. I love that it dries clear as it means I can leave it on for a while, which really helps my skin. My skin looks fuller and plumper (not in a chubby way, but in an 'ah so youthful' kind of way,) and I feel I can see an improvement in my skin after.

Dior Amber Diamond: There hasn't been many days since I got this little beauty that I haven't worn it! I love it so much! It is so versatile, both an eyeshadow and a highlighter. It gives a gorgeous glow to the face, and the bronze in it really makes the product perfect for summer!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey: I've worn this everyday since I bought it, enough said, no?

Avene Cleance K Cream Gel: This has really helped my skin, I'm not going to go into too much detail here, but my full review is here!

Benefit Hoola Bronzer: The perfect bronzer. Not too orange, not much shimmer, just the perfect bronzer really! (Oh I already said that, ooops!) To sum up, it is the perfect bronzer! (De ja vu?)

And another little mention for my Enrapture Totem Styler, I love the looks I've been able to create with this tool. So versatile!

Other Favourites of the Month:

Favourite Nail Art: http://hollyarabella.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/3-step-flower-nail-art.html

Favourite Helpful Post:  http://shen-moo.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/tip-top-summer-shopping-tips.html

Favourite Look: http://jazzabellesdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/inspired-by-audrey.html

Favourite Shopping Partner: http://treat-party.blogspot.co.uk/

Favourite Person Who Tweets Cute Things: http://andpeaches.blogspot.co.uk/

What have been your favourites this month?

Laura xoxo

My Latest Craze: Dior Amber Diamond

I'm sure you have all been in a situation where you have seen someone use/talk about a product and instantly your mind knows you need to have it. In my crazy case, you have dreams of trying to purchase it, and it is sold out everywhere (yes, I do need to get out more) and my latest product crave was the amazing, Dior Amber Diamond.

This is my far the most expensive (a whopping £32) most luxurious, make-up, maybe any item, I own, and I love it. The packaging itself just oozes glamour and sophistication (if packaging could do that,) and it looks so superior in my little old collection. (My collection is neither little nor old, but hey ho.)

This product is the perfect deep highlight, perfect for a bronze summer look. I love how you can use each individual strand as an eye colour, or swirl it all together for a gorgeous highlight. I love using the first two light colours, on a fluffy blending brush as a brow highlight, then mixing them all together for a cheek highlight.

Each individual colour

Eyeshadow, lighter colours all over, darker colour on the outside

Highlighter

So overall, I love this product and so glad I managed to get it. It is extremely pricey, but that's what birthday money is for, yes? If you want something luxurious then I definitely recommend it.

Also, if you want to save yourself a bit of money (only a bit) then I would check out Benefit's Watts Up. Both are very golden coloured highlighters, not as golden as MAC's Gold Deposit, but very warm coloured, perfect for summer.

Amber Diamond // Watts Up

What's your most luxurious product?

Laura xoxo

Sample Showdown

Due to the overwhelming kindness I received from my Foundation Face Off post, I decided that I would further this idea in my quest for the perfect foundation (which I may have found? Check here!). Now my purse is getting rather annoyed at me for buying foundation to try, and I'm quite frankly running out of room to house these foundations,  so I decided to go on a sneaky sample spree. (I like alliteration, can you tell?) Anyway, these are the ones I've collected, and my verdict on them!

Estee Lauder - Invisible Fluid - £27 


When I first put this foundation on in the morning, the first time, I was impressed, I thought it looked rather good. It applied really well, which surprised me as the sample I got in the magazine was not the best, but I really liked it. However, in a couple of hours, it had started to fade, and after around 7 hours it had started to collect in random places on my forehead, now I'm not a scientist but from what I've read, is this due to oxidization? Or is it because of the shake formula?The second time I applied it for these photos, I was not impressed, it didn't look smooth and flawless, it looked kinda cakey, but did calm down a bit, so strange. Anyway all of this has made it a no for me!

Colour - Fine, maybe slightly too dark
Coverage - Light to medium
Longevity - Around 6-8 hours
Sample Size - Rather good - around three uses.

Chanel Vita-Lumiere Aqua - £31


So many people talk about this foundation, and I tried it when I went to get my Estee Lauder Double Wear, and didn't like it, but I thought I'd give it another go with a sample. It applied so easily, and can really be built up, but give a natural look, which I liked, however I felt like my face felt greasy after, and it didn't look right. However on my hand where I put it before using my brush, it looked fantastic, so I think that it may be my skin type (whatever that is) that it doesn't work with. That said though, I think in these photos, it photographs really well, but in real life, it doesn't look that flawless, so I won't be getting it unfortunately, but I do recommend trying to get a sample of it. However, if I become rich one day, I think I would buy it, not cause I think it's fabulous for me, just cause I really want it. (I promise I'm not crazy! But for some reason I really want it!!!)

Colour - Great
Coverage - Light to medium, but build-able
Longevity - Only around 3-4 hours, which makes me think it's my skin type.
Sample Size - Average - two wears.

Benefit Hello Flawless - £24.50

This foundation has so much buzz around it, and I'm kind of left asking why? I think it's an ok foundation, and if it was on the highstreet/drugstore I wouldn't grumble as much, but it did just not like my skin tone. I was first matched to Honey which was just too orange for me and the Ivory colour was much better, but I think it was just a bit too light coverage, and hardly lasted on my skin at all, which is such a shame as I love Benefit and think their campaigns and products are gorgeous, it's just not for me.

Colour - Ok, still a bit too warm for me.

Coverage - Light 

Longevity - Not very, around 4 hoursish.
Sample Size - Good - I've only used it once but will definitely get a least one more out of it.

Diorskin Forever - £31 
This is definitely my favourite out of the four. It applied so smoothly and blended like a dream. It is pretty medium coverage leaning towards the light, but it feels soft on your skin, and when feeling my skin it felt so lovely, strangely it probably looks the worst from photos though. Unfortunately I'm not swayed to buy it, as it is slightly the wrong colour for me (only slightly, but for this money, I want an exact match!) and it didn't last 'forever.' By the end of the day it had worn off slightly, not as bad as the others, but it had, which again, is probably my skin as the woman at the counter was like, 'make sure you double cleanse' as it sticks around a lot. Ah well, if this was a highstreet/drugstore foundation, I'd get it within a heartbeat, but for this price, no thank you. Shame really!

Colour - Good, but still not perfect (which you can't tell in the main picture)

Coverage - Medium

Longevity - 8 hoursish
Sample Size - Average - around two

There are so many more foundations I want to try out there, but I kind of feel really awkward asking for samples. Many of the women at the stands were lovely, but some you could tell were thinking, go away cheapskate, especially if you didn't stay for a full makeover and buy a product, do you find this?

I feel the need to add that everyone has a different skin tone, and just because none of these particularly worked for me, doesn't mean they won't work for you. I have:
*an oily T-zone and dry cheeks with numerous blemishes and scars.
*I am rather pale, but do have a lot of redness too.


I also want to say that never go from pictures on a blog, try and get hold of things yourself. Different lighting etc can effect how things look in real life, sometimes for the better, sometimes for worse. I think that needs to be kept in mind.

So what do you think about getting samples? Are you a wuss like me, or a confident Connie?

Laura xoxo

*I didn't buy any of these samples. First picture is just moisturiser/primer, second is just foundation and large is a full face of make-up!